Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series Ainsley Claire (primary phonics books .TXT) 📖

me. This is all new to me, and part of me is unsure why I even want it.

She leans in and gives me a soft kiss. “I forgive you. Just please ask me in the future if you want to know something about me.”

“I absolutely will, and there’s lots more I’d love to know about you. But I don’t want us to miss brunch. How far away do Walker and Marci live? Can we walk?”

“They’re up on Jackson, which is straight up the hill, but I’m not sure Peter and Jennifer will want me walking.”

“That makes sense. When do they want to see us?”

“We have a little over an hour.”

I nod. “I need to shower and change. I can run home, check on Alana and the kids, and be back in probably less than an hour. Would that work?”

“We can pick you up and drive over.”

“Are you sure?”

She nods.

With the plan in place, I pull up a rideshare and dash home. My head is still a little scrambled where Mia is concerned, but for entirely different reasons now. She’s truly an amazing person.

When I arrive, my house is surprisingly calm.

“Hey, you’re back,” Alana says as I step inside. “We’re heading over to Kelly’s for the day. Do you mind?”

I shake my head. “Not at all. I think the boys will enjoy that.”

“How’s Mia doing?” Alana asks. “She was in that helicopter crash up north that was all over the television last night?”

“I didn’t see it, but I imagine so. It was a helicopter crash, but thankfully, she seems okay.”

“I figured that was her. She’s totally badass going after a mob boss like that.”

I nod at my sister. “She is a badass.”

“I think a badass is what you need,” she says with a smile.

Tavish runs by holding a permanent marker without a lid. I cringe, but Alana is on it.

“Where did you find this, little man?”

He just smiles his four-tooth grin. Alana swoops down, plucks the pen from his hand, and spots the lid on the floor in the living room. She scans for damage a moment, but doesn’t see any.

“When are we going to meet this badass girlfriend of yours?”

I watch Alana pick up as she goes around the room, and it’s like the boys follow and put the mess right back behind her.

“Well… She’s coming to pick me up. I can ask her to come in, but I don’t know if she’ll be up for that or not. Right now, I have to get in the shower.”

Alana nods. ”I’d like to meet the woman who finally turned your head.”

I zip upstairs, and after a quick shower, I change into jeans, chukka boots, and a dark blue Henley. Then I text Mia.

Me: I’m ready whenever you are. My sister is hoping you might come in for a minute to meet her and the kids. But if you’re not up for it, no pressure. Really.

 

Mia: Sure. We’re leaving now.

I walk over to my liquor stash and find a can of Stillhouse Black Bourbon. The old-style oil can is probably a marketing ploy, but it’s a great bourbon and a nice host gift. Looking around my living room, I tell myself again that wherever my sister lands, the furniture in my place is going with her.

The bell rings, and Nina lets Mia and Peter in. Mia looks stunning in a floral sundress and light blue sweater. Alana appears with Tavish on her hip and Laird hiding behind her.

I kiss Mia on the cheek. “You look beautiful.” I turn to my sister. “This is my younger sister, Alana. This cute little guy is Tavish, and behind her is Laird.” The thunder of feet pounds down the stairs. “Ah, I hear Clay and Duke coming to meet you too.” They magically appear to stand in front of Mia.

“Nice to meet you,” she says.

“Are you our Uncle Axel’s girlfriend?” Clay asks as he scrutinizes her.

“I suppose I’m a girl and I’m his friend, so I could be called a girlfriend,” she says.

“Awesome.” And he runs away.

“Yes, she’s my girlfriend,” I yell after Clay. At seven he doesn’t really know what a girlfriend is, but my sister does, and I want her and anyone else who understands to know I’ve staked my claim.

Alana watches him leave with all his brothers in tow. “I’m sorry. My boys are a little excited today. They have a play date, and they’re tired of just playing with one another.”

“No problem. I love the boys’ names. Are they named for professional surfers?”

Alana’s face brightens. “Yes, except for Tavish. He’s named for a surfboard designer.” Alana bends down and picks up toys. “I was hoping Tavish would be a Carissa, but he’s perfect, and I’m done.”

She stands, wiping the hair from her eyes and smiles.

“It looks like they’re having fun,” Mia says.

“We are, thanks to my brother. It’s our fault he wasn’t able to join you in Hawaii. I just wanted you to know that. I thought he could make it happen, but we were struggling to adjust, and he was having a hard time getting his work done with the boys and their jetlag.”

I shake my head. “I did fine. It’s all good.” I hold up my oil can of bourbon. “I’ve got some good bourbon for Walker, but nothing for Marci. Should we stop on our way over?”

“Already done,” Mia says. “I have a nice bouquet of flowers in the car.”

“Perfect.” I turn to Alana. “You guys have a great time. I’ll see you later. I’ll let you know if I think I won’t be home.”

Alana nods. “Have fun.”

I lace my fingers with Mia’s, and we walk to the car.

“Your sister is lovely.”

I nod. “Thanks. She is. However, her